The Heart of Sufism and Ar Rahman music
- Aastha Johari
- Nov 26, 2024
- 4 min read
Introduction:Sufism is often seen as a mystical, abstract tradition. It can seem elusive to those who are unfamiliar with its teachings, and yet at its core, Sufism is about the transformation of the heart. It’s about learning to love more deeply, to connect with others, and to be present in every moment. In this blog post, I want to share my personal journey with Sufism and how it has taught me to see the world through a lens of love, compassion, and connection.
The Journey Begins:Like many, I first encountered Sufism through the poetry of Rumi. His words were unlike anything I had read before—his love for the Divine, his longing for union with God, and the profound beauty of his expressions spoke directly to my soul. But even though Rumi's words resonated with me, I was skeptical. Could this "mystical" way of life actually offer something practical? Could it help me navigate the challenges of daily life, or was it just a beautiful ideal that didn’t have much to do with my reality?
As I began reading more, I realized that Sufism is not just a philosophy or a religion—it’s a way of life. It's not about intellectual knowledge or abstract concepts; it’s about embodying love, humility, and service in every moment. Slowly, I began to see how the teachings of Sufism could help me to live more authentically and with more heart.
The Call to the Heart:What initially drew me into Sufism was its emphasis on love—not just as an abstract concept, but as the very essence of being. In Sufi thought, love is the force that connects all things—human beings, the earth, the heavens, and the Divine. It is the bond that ties the universe together. Over time, I began to see how love could be lived in everyday actions: listening deeply to others, letting go of ego, and serving others with a pure heart.
In Sufi tradition, love is not a passive feeling, but an active force that shapes how we relate to the world. Love becomes the lens through which we see everything. Whether in our relationships with others or in our interactions with nature, we are invited to approach the world with an open heart, to see the Divine in all things.
Experiencing the Transformation:One of the most profound experiences I had on my journey was attending a Sufi prayer gathering (Zikr). The experience of being part of the communal energy, of chanting sacred names and words, was transformative. There was music, there were rhythms, and there was a palpable presence of peace and unity in the air. The energy of the group, combined with the sacred chants, created an atmosphere that felt like home—like a return to a truth I had forgotten.
In that moment, I understood what it meant to truly be present. The external world faded, and I found myself deeply immersed in the connection to others and to the Divine. It felt as though the entire universe was aligned in harmony, and I was part of something much greater than myself.
AR Rahman: The Divine MusicianAs I continued my journey, one name kept emerging as a source of deep inspiration—A.R. Rahman, the celebrated Indian composer, singer, and music producer. Known for his soulful and spiritually uplifting music, Rahman’s work has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. His songs, often infused with elements of Sufi spirituality, speak to the universal longing for the Divine.
Rahman’s music is a beautiful bridge between the mystical and the modern world. His compositions, which blend traditional Indian sounds with contemporary music, create a unique space for the listener to experience the divine presence. Songs like "Kun Faya Kun" (from Rockstar) and "Tajdar-e-Haram" (from Coke Studio) are perfect examples of how Rahman uses his music to convey the depth of Sufi love and devotion.
In "Kun Faya Kun," Rahman’s voice and the accompanying music evoke a sense of surrender to the Divine will. The rhythm, the melody, and the lyrics all come together to create an experience that feels like a spiritual awakening. Similarly, "Tajdar-e-Haram" is a heartfelt devotional piece that calls out to the Beloved, a prayer to the divine for grace and mercy.
For me, Rahman’s music is a form of Sufi dhikr—remembrance of God. His songs invite the listener to be present, to surrender, and to feel the divine presence that is always within us and around us. Rahman’s work has become a soundtrack for my spiritual journey, accompanying me as I strive to live a life rooted in love, devotion, and humility.
Conclusion:Sufism is not just for poets or scholars. It is a spiritual path for anyone who seeks a deeper connection to the Divine and to others. My journey with Sufism has been one of deepening love, humility, and a constant reminder that the heart is the center of it all. Through the poetry of Rumi, the communal practices of Zikr, and the transformative power of A.R. Rahman’s music, I have come to understand that love is the force that holds the universe together, and it is through love that we can find our way back to the Divine.
Sufism has taught me that the path to the Divine is not abstract or distant; it’s here, in every moment, in every breath, in every action. It’s a path of surrender, a journey of the heart, and ultimately, a way of being that transforms not just our understanding of the world, but the way we live in it.
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